Hanover-Horton basketball coach Chad Mortimer talks with his team before the fourth quarter of their game against East Jackson last season. Hanover-Horton won the game, 55-45. (JCP)

Chad Mortimer, Hanover-HortonCoaching a team with no seniors and no returning starters from last season, Mortimer has the Comets where they’re accustomed to being: in first place. Hanover-Horton has used its patented brand of smothering defense to take a 52-42 win over Michigan Center last week before knocking off previously-undefeated Addison, 50-40.